Ymobile launches UK's first eSIM MVNO with data plans

Ymobile has been launched as the first data-led eSIM MVNO in the UK, offering a new digital alternative to traditional mobile networks.

Utilising Three UK's national network, Ymobile provides a variety of data-only eSIM plans, supporting the increasing consumer shift towards data services instead of conventional voice calls and messaging. This transition aligns with findings from Ericsson showing a 25% growth in mobile network data traffic from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024. Meanwhile, Ofcom reported a decline in UK mobile-originated voice call minutes by 3.53 billion and a decrease of 1.72 billion in SMS and MMS messages last year.

Ymobile's new service offers five different data plans: 2GB for GBP £2, 5GB for GBP £5, 10GB for GBP £7, 50GB for GBP £10, and 100GB for GBP £15, all on a 30-day rolling basis without any minimum contract requirement. The process for users to sign up is straightforward, requiring a few clicks via the Ymobile app available on Android or iOS to download and activate their eSIM.

Apart from catering to users who no longer need voice or messaging services, Ymobile positions itself as an apt choice for a secondary line, business use, or data-intensive applications like streaming on tablets. The adoption of eSIM technology also addresses environmental concerns, reducing the significant waste produced by the five billion physical SIM cards manufactured annually. These cards contribute to about 20,000 tons of plastic waste each year, whereas eSIMs have a significantly lower environmental footprint, emitting 46% less CO2 over their lifetime.

Ymobile is the inaugural MVNO from Ycorp, a company that enables brands and businesses to develop their own data-driven eSIM MVNOs, either fully or in a lighter format. Ycorp's platform provides tools for developing a tailored service, such as a private-label app and bespoke billing solutions, while also offering insights into user data that can enhance customer engagement and drive loyalty. Ycorp takes care of all regulatory and compliance requirements, allowing businesses to concentrate on their primary operations.

Founder and CEO of Ycorp, Mike Greaves, stated, "We are so excited to be launching the UK's very first data-led eSIM MVNO. Ymobile aims to tackle two of the biggest frustrations many mobile users face: firstly, that much of their monthly plan is wasted on voice calls and texts they no longer want or use. And secondly, the environmental impact of physical SIM cards, that are bad for our planet and can be a fiddly nightmare to switch out and change."

He further added, "Ymobile is built on Ycorp's MVNO platform, which offers brands and businesses a truly bespoke way to both drive customer and employee engagement, and to better understand these groups too. With both our B2B and B2C propositions now live, we look forward to seeing the disruptive impact that we believe data-led eSIMs will have on the market."